There are four major groups  (Dipsocoromorpha, Gerromorpha, Leptopodomorpha & Nepomorpha) of aquatic and semi-aquatic bugs in the UK, together totalling c.90 species. They inhabit a variety of habitats from our solitary marine species that lives on western rocky shores to familiar species such as the water scorpion (Nepa cinerea) which could be living in your garden pond.

This workshop course aims to familiarise participants with the techniques used to identify species using dichotomous keys and microscopes. We will be using dried specimens from World Museum collections to practise identifications are you are encouraged to also bring your own preserved specimens to use or gain confirmations of your identifications from our tutors.

Tea, coffee and biscuits will be provided but participants should bring a packed lunch or use World Museum café.

Adults only (18+)

Access: There are lifts between each of the floors and assistance dogs are permitted.

Tutor info: Sharon Flint has 20 years’ experience in identification of adult and juvenile aquatic insects and has taught identification and ecology to university students and professionals. She has worked on aquatic invertebrate surveys for Natural England, the RSPB and the private sector and has carried out research on the ecology of stoneflies and caddisflies. She works as an independent consultant on various projects and with a range of clients and carries out AQC work on aquatic invertebrate samples for consultancies. She is Yorkshire Naturalists Union recorder for Trichoptera. Peter Flint has over 50 years’ experience of insect identification. He has recently retired after over 40 years as curator of the collections at Lancaster University where he also taught invertebrate identification and ecology. They are both Key Partners at PBA Applied Ecology.